I am simulating the Estes "Vapor" rocket in OpenRocket (see pic). I am using a 4 feet (122 cm) long launch rod. My simulations on both D and E motors show a speed off the rod of less than 15 meters/second. The D12-5 and E12-6 are Estes' recommended motors for this rocket. I read on this forum that a good rule of thumb for minimum speed "off the rod" is 15 m/s. Even the E12 engine doesn't quite hit that rule of thumb number. Maybe the simulation data is incorrect? I will check the materials in the data file for OpenRocket.
Maybe the Vapor is just a "little slow off the pad"? If so, I guess we will find out if that is a problem later this year when I build and launch it.
Maybe the Vapor is just a "little slow off the pad"? If so, I guess we will find out if that is a problem later this year when I build and launch it.